Monday, September 29, 2025

New music: The Flashcubes, KP Hawthorn, Candice Ivory

In this column I feature a review of a full-length tribute to power pop favorites The Flashcubes as well as collections featuring singer/multi-instrumentalist KP Hawthorn and blues songstress Candice Ivory




Artists: 
The Flashcubes, sparkle*jets u.k., Dolph Chaney, The Armoires, Sorrows, more
Title: Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Big Star, The Knack, Weezer
Tell me more: The legacy of Syracuse, New York-spawned quartet The Flashcubes is front and center on the stellar new 24-track collection Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes, available now courtesy of Big Stir Records
Formed in the late 1970s, The Flashcubes are in the Power Pop Hall Of Fame rightfully alongside fellow genre champions Big StarCheap Trick and RaspberriesAmong the slew of great early offerings on Make Something Happen! are sparkle*jets u.k.'s shimmering "Make Something Happen," Librarians With Hickeys' rollicking "Gone Too Far," a collaboration between Graham Parker and Mike Gent on the hearty "Pathetic," The Kennedys' jazzy "Walking Through The Park," and Dolph Chaney's post-punk nugget "Girl From Germany." Make Something Happen!'s delights continue via gems such as The Peppermint Kicks' exuberant "Muscle Beach," The Choosers' tender "Christi Girl," The Armoires' harmonies-draped "You're Not The Police," The Mayflowers' ambitious "Born To Cry," Sorrows' beguiling "Radio" and euphoric disc closing "Nothing Really Matters When You're Young" courtesy of The Spongetones. In addition to all the top-tier readings of Flashcubes classic materials are a trio of new cuts contributed by the Flashcubes; the infectious lead-off single "Reminisce," the soaring "The Sweet Spot" and deeply affecting "If These Hands" are rousing additions to the band's growing legacy and allow each of the band's songwriters  guitarist Paul Armstrong, bassist Gary Frenay and guitarist Arty Lenin  to shine. Information: bigstirrecords.com.


Artist: 
KP Hawthorn
Title: Til The Glitter End (Mule Kick Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosie Flores, Beth Nielsen-Chapman
Tell me more: Already celebrated for her signature vocals, sterling songwriting and role as a founding member of both The HawtThorns and CALICO, KP Hawthorn has just released her outstanding full-length solo album Til The Glitter End
. The new album 
 which finds Hawthorn contributing vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, mandolin and percussion along the way — was co-produced by Hawthorn with Steve Berns, and recorded at The Fitting Room Studio in Nashville. The lead-off track "Fool's Gold" immediately highlights Hawthorn's rich soprano, a beautiful instrument that carries emotional weight with each note. The album's parade of splendid cuts includes the rowdy country sortie "High Road" (the latter featuring legendary Rosie Flores on electric guitar), the enchanting "Roll Away The Stone," the irresistible "San Andreas Shake," Americana ballad "Come To Me" and beautifully introspective "The Lone Ranger," as well as a gorgeous disc-ending cover of Led Zeppelin's "Going To California" (the latter featuring guitarist-singer Johnny Hawthorn and violinist San Madigan). Information: https://kphawthorn.bandcamp.com/album/til-the-glitter-end.



Artist: 
Candice Ivory
Title: New Southern Vintage (Nola Blue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples
Tell me more: Grammy-nominated blues songstress Candice Ivory's New Southern Vintage takes listeners on a marvelous trip through the richest corners of blues music, her soulful soprano used in the service of more than a dozen outstanding tracks that celebrate the American genre in spades. Fans of traditional and modern blues will be immersed in Ivory's artful approach when showcasing her own material as well as other material featured on the title. Her dynamic vocals are particularly powerful on the blistering opener "Ain't So Blind," the spirited take on Joe Hick's "I'm In Trouble" (the latter featuring the amazing harmonica of Jan Hartmann), the soulful "Look Away," the hypnotic "Catfish Blues" that finds Ivory sharing lead vocals with Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, the tradition-steeped "Corrina," and superlative versions of Memphis Minnie's "World of Trouble" and "Shout the Boogie." 
Information: nolabluerecords.com.


Robert Kinsler

Thursday, September 25, 2025

The Rolling Stones announce reissue of classic 1976 album, "Black and Blue"

The Rolling Stones have announced the reissue of the classic 1976 album "Black and Blue" including a new 2025 mix. Below is the official media release and artwork of the forthcoming title coming Nov. 14, 2025...Robert Kinsler


"BLACK AND BLUE"

 

SUPER DELUXE BOX SET OUT NOVEMBER 14, 2025

 

FEATURING NEW 2025 MIX, UNRELEASED STUDIO SESSIONS, LIVE CONCERTS + RARE FOOTAGE


September 24, 2025 - Nearly five decades after its original release, The Rolling Stones are set to celebrate their groundbreaking 1976 album Black and Blue with a definitive Super Deluxe Box Set, arriving globally on November 14, 2025 from Interscope/UMe. Originally released in April, 1976 Black and Blue marked a bold new chapter for the band and now returns in a stunning, remixed and expanded package across multiple formats.


Available as a 5LP vinyl box set and a 4CD box set, both editions include a Blu-ray disc, a hundred-page hardback book, and a replica tour poster. A limited edition 5LP version on exclusive black and blue marbled vinyl will also be available via select online retailers, alongside streamlined 2-disc and 1-disc formats on both vinyl and CD. Additionally, a limited edition 1LP zoetrope vinyl will also be released. Now available to pre order here.


Black and Blue is the Stones’ 13th studio album, the first following the departure of former guitarist Mick Taylor who was eventually replaced by Ronnie Wood. The recording sessions famously served as auditions with guitar greats Harvey MandelWayne PerkinsJeff Beck, and Robert A. Johnson all contributing. Ultimately, free from commitments to The Faces, it was Ronnie Wood who joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts & Bill Wyman as a bona fide Rolling Stone appearing on three tracks. Soon after Ronnie officially signed up for the band’s U.S. tour, starting his continuing tenure with the group across five decades with multiple live and studio albums and dozens of Stones groundbreaking world tours. In a brand-new interview included in the new box set, Ronnie reflects on joining the band in 1976 with these words - "Right then, this is where I’m meant to be."


Musically, Black and Blue showcased The Rolling Stones’ adventurous spirit by infusing reggae, funk, and soul into their signature rock sound. The swaggering “Hot Stuff,” the driving “Hand of Fate,” the poignant ballad hit single “Fool to Cry,” fan favorite “Memory Motel” plus “Melody” featuring the talents of Billy Preston a heavy contributor to the whole album. Black and Blue was the second to be self-produced, credited to "The Glimmer Twins" a pseudonym used by Jagger and Richards for their roles as producers. On release it went to No. 1 on the USA album chart and stayed there for four consecutive weeks gaining immediate platinum status while in the UK Black and Blue went to No. 2 in May 1976.


The Black and Blue 2025 reissue includes a six-track disc of previously unreleased recordings, including the Jagger/Richards composition “I Love Ladies,” plus a high-energy take on Shirley & Company’s “Shame, Shame, Shame” which is available to listen to now hereAlso included are four amazing Stones instrumental jams from the 1975 sessions featuring the guest guitarists.


To accompany the reissue, a new music video for “Shame, Shame, Shame” will premiere on September 25th, available to watch hereDirected by acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Camille Boumans, the video is a collage of Stones history and attitude, blending rare archival photography with hand-drawn animation and modern flair. Known for her award-winning work with global brands and her distinctive blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics, Boumans brings a fresh energy to the Stones’ legacy.


In addition and a must for Stones fans is a full live concert recording from the bands celebrated six night residency at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre, where they were joined onstage by Ian StewartBilly Preston, and Ollie Brown - all of whom had contributed to the studio album.


The accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a previously unreleased TV broadcast of the Stones’ 1976 show at Les Abattoirs in Paris, plus Dolby Atmos surround sound mixes of both the studio album and the live Earls Court concert. All audio content is also available in high-resolution stereo. Rounding out the Super Deluxe Box Set is a 100-page hardback book featuring a brand new essay by recognized Stones expert Paul Sexton, exclusive photographs from the album sessions and tour, and a replica poster from the 1976 Paris concert.

 

Release Formats Include:

  • 5LP Super Deluxe Box Set
  • 4CD Super Deluxe Box Set
  • Limited Edition 5LP Marbled Vinyl Super Deluxe Box Set
  • 2LP / 2CD (Album + Outtakes & Jams)
  • 1LP / 1CD (2025 Steven Wilson Mix)
  • 1LP Zoetrope Vinyl 

 

FULL TRACK LISTING + CREDITS BELOW:

 

TRACKLISTING

 

1CD – STEVEN WILSON REMIX 2025

 

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel
  5. Hey Negrita
  6. Melody
  7. Fool To Cry
  8. Crazy Mama

 

1LP – STEVEN WILSON REMIX 2025

 

Side A

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel

Side B

  1. Hey Negrita
  2. Melody
  3. Fool To Cry
  4. Crazy Mama 

 

2CD

 

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel
  5. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
  6. Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
  7. Fool To Cry
  8. Crazy Mama

 

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

  1. I Love Ladies
  2. Shame, Shame, Shame
  3. Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel)
  4. Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck)
  5. Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
  6. Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)

 

2LP

 

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

Side A

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel

Side B

  1. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
  2. Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
  3. Fool To Cry
  4. Crazy Mama

 

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

Side A

  1. I Love Ladies
  2. Shame, Shame, Shame
  3. Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel)

Side B

  1. Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck)
  2. Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
  3. Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)

 

SUPER DELUXE 4CD + BLU RAY

 

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel
  5. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
  6. Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
  7. Fool To Cry
  8. Crazy Mama

 

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

  1. I Love Ladies
  2. Shame, Shame, Shame
  3. Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel)
  4. Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck)
  5. Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
  6. Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)

 

Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976

1.    Honky Tonk Women

2.    If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud

3.    Hand Of Fate

4.    Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)

5.    Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

6.    Fool To Cry

7.    Hot Stuff

8.    Star Star (Starfucker) 

9.    You Gotta Move

10. You Can’t Always Get What You Want

11. Band Intro

12. Happy

13. Tumbling Dice

14. Nothing From Nothing 

15. Outa-Space

 

Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976

  1. Midnight Rambler
  2. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
  3. Brown Sugar
  4. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
  5. Street Fighting Man
  6. Sympathy For The Devil

 

Blu-Ray Disc


1. Black and Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025)


2. Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976 

·      Band Intro

·      Honky Tonk Women

·      Hand of Fate

·      Fool To Cry

·      Hot Stuff

·      Star Star

·      You Gotta Move

·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want

·      Band Introductions

·      Happy

·      Outa Space

·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash

·      Street Fighting Man


3. Live at Earls Court Live 1976 

·      Band Intro

·      Honky Tonk Women

·      If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud

·      Hand Of Fate

·      Hey Negrita

·      Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

·      Fool To Cry

·      Hot Stuff

·      Star Star (Starfucker)

·      You Gotta Move

·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want

·      Happy

·      Tumbling Dice

·      Nothing From Nothing

·      Outa-Space

·      Midnight Rambler

·      It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)

·      Brown Sugar

·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash

·      Street Fighting Man

·      Sympathy For The Devil

 

SUPER DELUXE 5LP + BLU RAY

 

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

Side A

  1. Hot Stuff
  2. Hand Of Fate
  3. Cherry Oh Baby
  4. Memory Motel

Side B

  1. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
  2. Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
  3. Fool To Cry
  4. Crazy Mama

 

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

Side A

  1. I Love Ladies
  2. Shame, Shame, Shame
  3. Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel)

Side B

  1. Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck)
  2. Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
  3. Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)

 

Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A

  1. Honky Tonk Women
  2. If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud
  3. Hand Of Fate
  4. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)

Side B

  1. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
  2. Fool To Cry
  3. Hot Stuff
  4. Star Star (Starfucker) 

 

Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A

  1. You Gotta Move
  2. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
  3. Band Intro
  4. Happy

Side B

  1. Tumbling Dice
  2. Nothing from Nothing
  3. Outa-space

 

Disc 5: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A

  1. Midnight Rambler
  2. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
  3. Brown Sugar

Side B

  1. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
  2. Street Fighting Man
  3. Sympathy For The Devil

 

Blu-Ray Disc

 

  1. Black and Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025) Hi-res stereo and Atmos Mix

 

2. Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976 

·      Band Intro

·      Honky Tonk Women

·      Hand of Fate

·      Fool To Cry

·      Hot Stuff

·      Star Star

·      You Gotta Move

·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want

·      Band Introductions

·      Happy

·      Outa Space

·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash

·      Street Fighting Man

 

3. Live at Earls Court Live 1976 

·      Band Intro

·      Honky Tonk Women

·      If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud

·      Hand Of Fate

·      Hey Negrita

·      Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

·      Fool To Cry

·      Hot Stuff

·      Star Star (Starfucker)

·      You Gotta Move

·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want

·      Happy

·      Tumbling Dice

·      Nothing From Nothing

·      Outa-Space

·      Midnight Rambler

·      It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)

·      Brown Sugar

·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash

·      Street Fighting Man

·      Sympathy For The Devil

 

 

CREDITS

 

Mick Jagger - Lead vocals, backing vocals (1, 3 – 5), percussion (1), piano (4, 7) electric guitar (8)

Keith Richards - Electric guitar (all tracks except 4), backing vocals (except 6,7), piano (4, 8), bass (8), co-lead vocals (4)

Ronnie Wood - Electric guitar (3,5,8), backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 5, 8)

Bill Wyman - Bass guitar (except 8), percussion (1)

Charlie Watts - Drums, percussion (1)

Billy Preston - Piano (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8), organ (5, 6), percussion (6), backing vocals (1, 4, 5, 6, 8)

Nicky Hopkins - Piano (7), organ (3)

Harvey Mandel - Electric guitar (1, 4)

Wayne Perkins - Electric guitar (2,7), acoustic guitar (4)

Ollie Brown - Percussion (1, 2, 5, 8)

Ian Stewart - Percussion (1)

Arif Mardin - Horn (6)

 

Produced By The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger/Keith Richards)

 

# # #

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Omnivore Recordings announce Nina Simone’s 'A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings'

Today comes the super exciting news that groundbreaking singer-songwriter/keyboardist/civil rights activist Nina Simone's final studio album is being released as an expanded edition on both audio CD and vinyl in early November...Robert Kinsler


Monday, September 22, 2025

Warren Zevon celebrated in all-star Wild Honey show, October 24, 2025 at L.A.'s United Theater

Check out the exciting news about a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating the songcraft of the late Warren Zevon coming to Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2025...Robert Kinsler



WILD HONEY FOUNDATION and the ZEVON FAMILY
PRESENT

JOIN ME IN L.A.: THE SONGS OF WARREN ZEVON

 

A concert to benefit The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
and The Ed Asner Family Center for the Autism Community. 
 Friday, October 24, 2025, 8 p.m.
at the United Theater in Downtown Los Angeles

 

FEATURED PERFORMERS:  JACKSON BROWNE, JORGE CALDERÓN

JORDAN ZEVON, SHOOTER JENNINGS, FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE,
MARSHALL CRENSHAW, AND MORE
WITH HOST CHRIS MORRIS

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Wild Honey Foundation and the Zevon Family will present Join Me in L.A.; The Songs of Warren Zevon on October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. at the United Theater, 929 S. Broadway, in Downtown Los Angeles. 

 

To celebrate the enduring brilliance of Los Angeles musical legend Warren Zevon, Jordan Summers/Nick Vincent-led all-star Wild Honey Orchestra and Friends will present 25-plus songs from all phases of the legendary singer-songwriter’s career. Hosted by the celebrated rock journalist/author Chris Morris, Zevon’s gritty, colorful, and moving tunes will be performed by a rotating all-star ensemble of L.A.’s best players over the past 50 years, including a number of folks who closely collaborated with Zevon (including Jackson Browne, his frequent co-songwriter and producer Jorge Calderón, and band members Leland Sklar, Rick Marotta, Bob Glaub, Matt Cartsonis.  In addition to Jackson Browne and Calderón, guest singers include Dennis Diken (the Smithereens), Fountains of WaynePhil Cody, Shooter Jennings, Marshall Crenshaw, Billy Valentine, Susan Cowsill, Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), John Wesley Harding, Leslie Mendelson, Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), Chris Stills, Inara George, and Eleni Mandell.  This will be an unforgettable and deeply emotional celebration of one of the best songwriters/performers of the last 50 years.

   

According to musical co-director Jordan Summers: “When the P.E. coach called roll on the first day of 10th grade, two students answered "here" to the name ‘Jordan.’ I was Jordan Summers, he was Jordan Zevon — Warren's son. Despite my alphabetical advantage, we became instant friends and formed our first band a month later. Warren Zevon showed up to our first gig that year at Madame Wong's. My best friend's dad taught me ‘Werewolves of London’ over the phone. We went to his shows and recording sessions, and he'd come to our rehearsals and, one time, played my keyboard. My keyboard never forgave me for that. I was with Jordan through his father's diagnosis, the day he passed, the funeral, and beyond. We went on to write and record Jordan's solo record, play Letterman, and record "Studebaker" on the Enjoy Every Sandwich tribute album with Waddy Wachtel, Jorge Calderón, and David Lindley at Jackson Browne's studio.


We've continued Warren's legacy through performances supporting ADAO's mesothelioma awareness efforts, where Jordan now serves as national spokesman. I've been fortunate to be part of The Wild Honey Orchestra for over a decade now. It's the highlight of my year every time they mount a show with the best musicians and people in Los Angeles. They'd wanted to do a Warren Zevon tribute for years, so when this opportunity came up, it felt inevitable. Getting to serve as musical director alongside my friend Nick Vincent —  another alphabetically disadvantaged soul with incomparable talent — is absolutely incredible. The Wild Honey shows are a happening that enlightens both the musicians and audience about the music of the artists they honor. This time it's that and more for us. It's also the pre-party for many of Warren Zevon's former bandmates, partners, family, and current devotees to play him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame two weeks following the show.”

 

 

THE BENEFICIARIES:

 

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the U.S. It was founded in 2004 to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and to work towards a global asbestos ban. ADAO is dedicated to preventing consumer, environmental and occupational asbestos-caused diseases through national and international education, advocacy, and community initiatives.  https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/

 

The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals with special needs and their families. Co-founded by Navah Paskowitz-Asner and Matthew Asner, inspired by their six children—three of whom are autistic. Our mission is to foster acceptance and enrichment for those striving for wholeness in all aspects of life. Through a diverse range of mental health services and innovative, interactive programs, the Center proudly employs autistic self-advocates as camp counselors, educators, and assistants. https://edasnerfamilycenter.org/

 

 

About the Wild Honey Foundation:
Since 1994, 
Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community-in-need.  Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types. Past Wild Honey Foundation shows with original artists: 2022 Big Star #1 Record with Jody Stephens; 2020, Lovin’ Spoonful with John Sebastian, Steve Boone, and Joe Butler; The Kinks  (1995 version with Dave Davies); Buffalo Springfield (2018 featuring Richie Furay); The Band (2017 with Garth Hudson); Beach Boys (1994 with Brian Wilson; 2016 with Al Jardine).   Other featured performers since 1994- Lenny Kaye, Alex Chilton, Jackson Browne, the Bangles, Marshall CrenshawWeird Al, Micky Dolenz, Dave Alvin, The dB’s, Peter Buck/Mike Mills of R.E.M., Terry Reid, Claudia Lennear, Al Stewart, Denny LaineMatthew Sweet, the Muffs, Gary Wright, Carlene Carter, Dan Wilson, and many more.

More information on the Wild Honey Foundation can be found here: Wildhoneyfoundation.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/